“Of course you do, dear,” Eleanor patted my hand condescendingly.
Later that week, a friend overheard Melissa laughing with her bridesmaids about “the hotel girl who thought she was invited to the wedding.”
“As if we would want someone like her front and center in the photos,” Melissa had reportedly said. “But we need to keep her happy until the big day since she controls the venue.”
I confronted James that evening. “Am I invited to your wedding or not?”
He sighed heavily. “Nat, it’s complicated. Melissa and her mother have very specific ideas about the guest list.”
“An atmosphere that doesn’t include your only sister? The sister who gave you $65,000?” my voice cracked.
“People grow up, Natalie,” he said, his voice cold. “Maybe you should try it sometime.”
Then came the phone call that would change everything.
It was a Tuesday afternoon. “Hello, is this Natalie Warren?” a professional female voice inquired.
“Yes, speaking.”
“This is Victoria Hayes, the wedding planner for the Warren-Blake ceremony. I’m calling regarding your deposit payment of $65,000.”
My heart skipped a beat. “Yes, is there an issue?”
“Not exactly,” Victoria hesitated. “I have been instructed by the family to inform you that your invitation to the wedding has been cancelled. However, they would like to retain the deposit you provided.”
The world seemed to stop. “Excuse me?”
Victoria cleared her throat. “The family has decided to revise the guest list. Your attendance is no longer required. However, they wish to keep the venue and catering arrangements as planned, utilizing the deposit you already paid.”
“Which family?” I asked, my voice barely a whisper.
“Miss Blake and her mother provided the instruction. I was told that Mr. Warren is aware and has agreed.”
James had agreed. My own brother.
“May I ask why?” I managed, fighting to keep my voice steady.
“I was informed that your presence might distract from the event’s intended atmosphere,” Victoria said, sounding like she was reading from a script. “She specifically mentioned concerns about you being perceived as ‘staff’ rather than family, given your ownership of the establishment.”
A wave of anger washed over me, clearing away the shock. This was calculating and cruel.
“Miss Warren, are you still there?” Victoria asked.
‘Ja,’ zei ik, mijn stem plotseling kalm en helder. ‘Ik wil het bevestigen: de bruid en haar moeder hebben besloten dat ik niet welkom ben op de bruiloft van mijn broer, ondanks mijn aanzienlijke financiële bijdrage, en mijn broer heeft daarmee ingestemd?’
“Dat is inderdaad wat ik ervan begrepen heb.”
« Victoria, ik waardeer het dat je me direct belt. Ik neem aan dat je niet wist dat ik de eigenaar ben van het Sapphire Grand en Elite Catering? »
Aan de andere kant van de lijn klonk een scherpe ademhaling. « Ik… nee, ik was me daar niet van bewust. »
‘Ik begrijp het,’ zei ik, terwijl er een plan in mijn hoofd vorm kreeg. ‘In dat geval heb ik een boodschap voor je die je aan juffrouw Blake en mijn broer moet overbrengen.’
‘Natuurlijk,’ antwoordde Victoria, waarbij haar professionele houding even verdween.
« Zeg ze alsjeblieft dat ik heb gezegd dat ze de hele bruiloft moeten afzeggen. »
